Wherever there is a dry planet, there is also talk of terraforming. This dream not only inspires humans when they look at Mars, but also the Fremen who live on Arrakis. This harsh desert planet is located in the Canopus star system and is the origin of the spice, which is essential for space travel. Baron Harkonnen, a former ruler of Arrakis, summarised the importance of spice in one sentence: “He who controls the spice, controls the universe.” However, this article does not address the political ambitions that might influence the pace of possible terraforming projects, as they lie beyond the scope of this analysis. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that this aspect is of crucial importance, particularly on this planet, as the desert is a necessary condition for the harvest of spice.[1]
Arrakis is already more similar to our planet than other planets in our solar system. It has a breathable atmosphere (75 % nitrogen, 23 % oxygen), as oxygen is provided by the sandworms. Furthermore, the temperature and pressure are already within the range observed on Earth. Nevertheless, Arrakis differs fundamentally from what we know in a few respects. One such aspect is the sand-sandtrout-sandworm cycle, which is responsible for the planet becoming a desert. Sandtrouts are the larvae of sandworms that survive by encapsulating water. Without them, sandworms would not be able to live, as they are unable to survive in waterlogged environments. This also means that with terraforming Arrakis, the species of sandworms will not survive.[2]
Throughout history, numerous attempts have been made to transform the planet from a desert landscape into a nutrient-rich world. Pardot Kynes, a prominent imperial planetologist, similarly believed that the planet could be transformed over generations. In collaboration with the Fremen, these plans were realised, with water being collected using underground trenches and wind traps, among other techniques. Additionally, the downwind sides of old dunes served as the initial plantation areas. The Fremen sought to establish a cycle of poverty grass with peat-like hair cilia, which would intertwine, mat, and fix the dunes.[3]
To make further progress in terraforming Arrakis into an oasis-like environment, several critical steps must be taken. Each of them is deeply “rooted” in chemistry and environmental science.
Firstly, addressing the issue of water scarcity is crucial. Establishing a functioning water cycle involves introducing mechanisms for water retention, circulation and replenishment. This will require an understanding of Arrakis’ hydrology and the implementation of strategies to increase water sources. One potential approach is to use chemical reactions to extract and purify water from the planet’s abundant underground reservoirs. Techniques such as desalination, precipitation enhancement and condensation harvesting could play a key role in this initiative. For instance, desalination involves the removal of salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water, making it suitable for irrigation and consumption. Here, reverse osmosis, distillation, and electrodialysis are possible water treatment methods. Implementing this kind of large-scale desalination infrastructure on Arrakis could substantially increase the availability of water, which could be used for terraforming.[4] [5]
Second, precipitation enhancement techniques can induce or intensify rainfall in dry regions by modifying atmospheric conditions. For instance, cloud seeding involves dispersing substances such as silver iodide or potassium iodide into clouds to stimulate precipitation. Here, cloud droplets coalesce around seeding agents to form larger raindrops or snowflakes. This strategy can be used to enhance vegetation growth and ecosystem restoration.[6]
Another crucial factor to consider when terraforming Arrakis is the soil composition and fertility. The desert landscape of Arrakis is characterised by dry, sandy soils that lack organic matter and nutrients. One approach to improving soil fertility is to introduce organic matter and micro-organisms. Composting organic waste from human settlements and agricultural activities could produce nutrient-rich compost that, when applied to the soil, would improve its fertility and structure. In addition, inoculating the soil with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi can facilitate nutrient cycling and improve plant growth. These micro-organisms form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, aiding nutrient uptake and improving soil aggregation.[7]
The manipulation of the atmosphere is essential for the creation of stable climate conditions. That involves the regulation of greenhouse gas levels, atmospheric pressure and temperature fluctuations. For instance, managing solar radiation can help regulate surface temperatures and precipitation patterns. The development of sustainable energy sources, including solar, wind and geothermal power, is crucial to powering terraforming operations.[8]
By harnessing advanced technology, respecting indigenous knowledge and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, humanity can overcome the formidable challenges posed by Arrakis’ harsh desert environment and lead the way in establishing a fertile and sustainable ecosystem. In undertaking this task, it is essential to uphold ethical principles and prioritise environmental protection.
[1] Arrakis. Dune Wiki. https://dune.fandom.com/wiki/Arrakis
[2] Sandtrout. Dune Wiki. https://dune.fandom.com/wiki/Sandtrout
[3] Arrakis. Dune Wiki. https://dune.fandom.com/wiki/Arrakis
[4] The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024, 15. April). Water cycle. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/water-cycle
[5] Ambulkar, A., et al. (1998, 20. Juli). Water purification, Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/water-purification
[6] Desert Research Institute. (2022, 19. September). What is Cloud Seeding? – DRI. DRI. https://www.dri.edu/cloud-seeding-program/what-is-cloud-seeding/
[7] Soil fertility, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/areas-of-work/soil-fertility/en/
[8] Solar Radiation Management (SRM) – Klimawandel. https://wiki.bildungsserver.de/klimawandel/index.php/SolarRadiationManagement(SRM)}.
